Jackson County Magistrate Frederick Bishop arraigned Marva Hardin, 27, of Detroit on Friday, May 16, on charges of using false pretenses to acquire $20,000 or more, but less than $50,000; uttering and publishing; and fourth-degree fleeing and eluding police.

The false pretenses offense, the most serious of the crimes, is punishable by a maximum prison term of 15 years.

Police prevented Hardin, however, from completing the transaction and hauling away the machines.

A man had called Tractor Supply ahead of Hardin's arrival to inform the store he would be sending employees to pick up the mowers and they would be paying with a cashier's check.

Such activity had been an issue in the past. The chain's corporate security division warned its stores in internal communications about the scam, executed after bank hours so checks could not be verified, and the Leoni Township store alerted authorities to the man's plan. This provided the public safety department with an opportunity to set up surveillance.

On May 2, the Tractor Supply in Dundee lost about $22,000 when Hardin purchased mowers there with a check or checks, Johnston said.

On Friday, Johnston said police are still investigating the incident. They are working with authorities in Dundee and have not made any other arrests.

A second woman who accompanied Hardin is not in custody. Police are checking into her involvement.

Both women fled police when officers made their presence known Tuesday.

Hardin drove south on U.S. 127, leading police on a short chase, before stopping near Page Avenue, Johnston said.